Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 103 Part 3.djvu/1068

 103 STAT. 3136 PROCLAMATION 6051—OCT. 19, 1989 Proclamation 6051 of October 19, 1989 National Forest Products Week, 1989 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Our Nation's forests have been prized not only for their great beauty, but also for the wealth of natural resources they provide. These forests supply us with fuel, a variety of useful paper products, and the wood with which we build our homes and furniture. They also provide a habitat for much of our Nation's wildlife, as well as a scenic environ- ment for family outings and vacations. Throughout the history of the United States, America's dense forests have contributed to our shelter, warmth, convenience, and recreation. Today, nearly 740 million acres of land in the United States are forest- ' ed. A centiuy ago, such continued abimdance was in doubt. During the late 1800's, forests were being depleted at an alarming rate, and some Americans predicted an eventual timber shortage. Fortunately, howev- er, early leaders in forest conservation—including President Theodore Roosevelt and Gifford Pinchot, the Nation's first trained forester— helped to reverse that trend. Their legacy is one for which we should be thankful. The premise of their conservation legacy is that, while forests need protection, they can be used and renewed for the personal well-being of the American people and for the sake of the Nation's economy. Yet they must be used wisely. Like other agricultural crops, new trees must be planted for future harvests, if natm-al regeneration does not appear to be adequate. Our adherence to this simple principle has been rewarded. Each year, we harvest large quantities of timber for building, paper products, fuel, and much more. Primary wood manufactiuing provides jobs for more than 600,000 workers and millions of jobs in related industries. Our Nation has been blessed by an abundance of natural resources. It is our obligation to futiu-e generations to use these resources responsi- bly. By caring for our forests and replenishing them in a timely way, we can help ensure that they—and the Nation itself—continue to pros- per. All Americans can participate in the vital process of reforestation. Last year, Federal efforts resulted in the planting of 340,000 acres of new trees. Private voliuitary organizations, families, and businesses planted eight times that number. Every tree sown helps to reduce soil erosion by wind and water; im- prove air quality by reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere; and provide fuel, shelter, and valuable food and paper products. Whether planted on public land or in a suburban backyard, every tree also rep- resents a living compact between generations. Through reforestation, we can help give ovx children and grandchildren a greener, healthier environment. Each tree makes a difference—so, too, does each Ameri- can who plants a new one.

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